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Gynecological FAQ

Gynecological FAQ

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding your female health. We hope that you will find this section helpful. If you have additional questions please “Ask A Nurse” in your patient portal, or give us a call at 949.829.5500.

  1. First, read the instructions that came with your pill. Generally speaking, if you miss one pill, take two pills the next day. If you miss two pills, take two pills on each of the next two days. If you miss three or more discontinue the pack, use back up birth control and start new pack with next period. It’s best to use a backup contraception method such as condoms for the remainder of the month.

  2. In compliance with HIPAA regulations, we are unable to discuss any details of service rendered or to produce an itemized bill for any parties that are not the patient, unless otherwise documented.

  3. The HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescent girls who are not sexually active. Females younger than 26 who are sexually active may also benefit from the vaccine. The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.

  4. You should try to schedule your annual exam for when you are not having your period. However, you can have a pap smear during your period as long as the flow is not very heavy.

  5. Call the doctor’s office and speak with the nurse or doctor about your symptoms.

  6. It is recommended that young women have their first Gynecologic visit at the age of 15, or when they become sexually active and have questions about contraception and STI’s. / Unless there is a medical problem, you should have your first pelvic exam around the age of 21 years or sooner if you begin sexual activity.

  7. The skipping of just one birth control pill can potentially produce a hormone imbalance, and which can cause a symptom referred to as “breakthrough bleeding.” This is a relatively normal occurrence, and you should take the missed pill as soon as you realize you’ve skipped it. If you have skipped more than two birth control pills, you should use condoms for the remainder of the month.

  8. Women who have found a lump in one of their breasts should contact our office to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.

  9. Once a month, after the end of your menstrual cycle or if menopausal, at your discretion, you should perform a self-breast exam. By conducting a monthly breast exam yourself, its helps you to detect any changes or signs of a problem. Any lumps, changes or nipple discharges please contact your physician.

  10. Please allow two weeks from the time your specimen was collected. You can also check your results online through the patient portal.

  11. We will call you if your lab results are abnormal. If all lab results are normal we will not contact you regarding your results. You may also check your patient portal.

  12. Absolutely.

  13. To remain effective, you must have a Depo shot every 3 months (12 weeks). You can schedule your next shot up to 2 weeks before your due date or up to 1 week after your due date.

    • Women should start screening with the Pap test at age 21. (Screening is not recommended for women under age 21)
    • Starting at 30, women have three options available for screening:
      • A pap test alone every three years
      • Co-testing with a pap and HPV test, every five years
      • An HPV test alone, every five years

    For more on Pap & HPV Tests please visit the National Cervical Cancer Coalition

    https://www.nccc-online.org/hpvcervical-cancer/cervical-cancer-screening

Dear Patient,

We are here for you. Due to COVID-19 and staff shortage, you may experience longer wait times on the phone and in the lobbies. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we try to service you as effectively as possible!

Your safety and our staff’s safety are important to us, we have made changes to accommodate and provide high-quality care.

PLEASE NOTE: All patients are required to wear a face mask prior to entering the office. Please refer to our COVID-19 Page for our updated Visitor Policy.

Thank you for understanding.

In Good Health,

OCWMG Physicians